1995 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

93 owners have reported suspension problems with the 1995 Ford Explorer to NHTSA — 11% of all 843 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 127,000 miles. That ranks #6 of 31 Explorer model years for suspension complaints (a typical year has 35). One related recall has been issued.

93complaints
127ktypical miles
1related recalls
6crashes
0fires
4injuries

Which parts fail

  • Rear
    21
  • Front
    16
  • Front › Stabilizer bar
    16
  • Front › Springs › Torsion bar
    6
  • Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
    4
  • Front › Control arm
    3

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    00%
  • 25k–50k
    00%
  • 50k–75k
    327%
  • 75k–100k
    19%
  • 100k–150k
    655%
  • 150k+
    19%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The steering column and all the parts associated with the steering of the vehicle were affected when the bolts that hold the clamps that secure the bushings to the steering column began to loosen. I examined the area carefully and noticed that because the bolts loosened, the clamps were given too much play. Within a short while, a month or two, the entire steering column and the shifter were completely secured by one broken clamp that held its place because of the bushings and a loose bolt. The other clamp was also broken but was laying on the floor board. It wasn't an expensive fix. I customized a metal clamp for each of the two places the went. They are the same clamps the electricians use to secure cables and wires to the walls and ceilings. I used the ones made from bronze. They are more pliable to shape for an almost perfect fit. …

175,000 miles · Mar 2018

Since leasing the vehicle, have had persistent problems with the front end, which resulted in wearing out several sets of expensive tires. Reported same to seller ( r. Brown & sons, inc. ) but no resolution. Involved in a crash in August, 1998, front end impact causing $2500 in damages, buckled hood, shattered bumper brackets, etc. But neither air bag deployed. Took vehicle to a different garage because front tires again seriously worn. Mechanic discovered right front stabilizer missing -- and no indication that it had ever been present. It is my belief that the vehicle was in a front end collision prior to our leasing it, a fact the seller did not divulge at the time. The salesman involved was terminated from employment at brown's shortly after we leased the vehicle. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Front › Stabilizer bar · Jun 1995 · crash

Actually had two very similar situations although one was on ice and the other due to hydroplaning. Was traveling on interstate in both instances at below speed limit and car seemed to float off to the right and then go into uncontrollable spins both instances were nearly identical with the last one resulting in car careening into ditch and striking guardrail I do not feel I was traveling at high rate of speed in either instance but am not frightened to ride in vehicle during any kind of inclement weather. Thanks daniel.( dot number: tire size: 15 )

Jul 2000 · crash

On June 7, 2003 the right side torsion bar broke collapsing the frame onto the right front tire. A metal inspector has inspected the part and indicated that it is a manufacturing defect. I went to my Ford dealer, the parts manager at the dealership said too bad it happened now because my car is a 1995 and the warranty is up with no coverage for replacing this part. We will need to purchase both the right hand part as well as the left hand part #s f57a-bc rub & f57a-bc lub and have them installed. I can send pictures of the defective part.

Front › Springs › Torsion bar · 138,000 miles · Jun 2003

Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that his vehicle was previously serviced for recall 00V402000. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard a grinding noise from the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed the stabilizing linkage pin was broken causing the bearings in the wheel to become defective. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 127,000.

Front · 127,000 miles · May 2010

Initial failure due to very minor dip in I-80 from bridge to aspault transition. Failure resulted in uncontrollable vehicle oscillation and subsequent spin-out including tire, bumper and minor injuries from spin. Vehicle was unstable and would start oscillations above 30 MPH. A second spin-out occurred when taking vehicle in for inspection at around 35 MPH - no damage from accident. Replacement of front stabilizer link resolved stability problems.( dot number: tire size: 16 )

Front · Dec 1998 · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sway bar was fractured. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the link rod needed to be replaced. The failure recurred twice over a one year period. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

60,000 miles · Oct 1999

Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made extremely loud noises and became difficult to maneuver. The dealer stated that the tie rod assembly, odometer, and stabilizer bar all failed. The current mileage was 138,000 and failure mileage was 136,500. Updated 10/23/07

Front › Stabilizer bar · 137,000 miles · Jul 2007

Pe00 020; consumert was traveling about 75mph on highway and felt heavy vibration inside of vehicle . He went to pull over onto the shoulders. And vehicle took a 270 degree spinn out. Then, vehicle hit a road sign, and it flipped into a ditch. There were minor skratches.

Dec 1999 · crash

Low sped impact to left rear caused rollover. Ne-and one-half rotations, coming to rest on its roof. Passenger's side window shattered, causing partial ejection of 11-year -old passenger, crushing his skull and killing child. Two other passengers were injured.

Rear · Oct 1995 · crash · 2 injuries

Related recalls

Suspension

NHTSA recall 00V-402 · Nov 28, 2000 · 810,000 vehicles

Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.

Remedy: Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.

NHTSA investigations

Front suspension stabilizer bar link

NHTSA investigation PE00039 · opened Sep 20, 2000 · closed Nov 30, 2000 · led to recall 00V-402

There is no summary currently available

Suspension complaints in other Explorer years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2693971051116562434226337155631424227910383735823113515131433
Suspension complaints per model year, Ford Explorer.

Frequently asked questions

How common are suspension problems on the 1995 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA has 93 complaints about the suspension of the 1995 Ford Explorer, 11% of the model year's 843 complaints. The component named most often is rear (21 mentions).

Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Explorer suspension problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-402 (suspension, Nov 28, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 1995 Ford Explorer suspension problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.